I want to take my wife this weekend on Oct 1st to see the turquoise water in Big Pine Lakes. Can someone tell me if I need a get a wilderness permit? If so can i get it in advance or at the ranger station? Also, what is the temperature right now at the lake? Do I need to bring to a tent? Thanks very much.

...Sorry about that...back up, back up..Well shut my mouth...Big Pine lakes aren't listed in the Inyo Nat.l Forest trailhead quota lists. Most of the trails in this area require a permit for an ovenight stay - usually obtained out of the closest ranger station to your destination (until Nov. 1st) - in this case, for you, it would probably be the White Mountain Ranger Station down in Bishop on north Main St. - US 395 (next door to the old K-mart).Check the Inyo National Forest website - and it will list a phone # for the office down there.

"Some places remain unknown because no one has ventured forth. Others remain so because no one has ever come back."

I should learn to read a post all the way through instead of partway and looking like an idiot.You don't HAVE to take a tent - but the temps at night are below freezing right now at that elevation.You might be a little more comfortable in a tent - it'll be warmer in one - but then you'll also have your wife to snuggle up with!

"Some places remain unknown because no one has ventured forth. Others remain so because no one has ever come back."

Welcome to HST! Yes, you need a permit for an overnight stay, and yes, take a tent, your wife will feel much happier if the temps drop, unless she's been doing this a long time and can handle it. It was nice this weekend at 10500, but temps did drop to the low 30's one night, and who knows what next weekend will bring. 3 weeks ago when that Alaskan Low came through it was in the 20's, windy, and snow, not a good combo if your trying to introduce her to backpacking. Nothing will turn a new backpacker off faster than bad weather or mosquitos from going out again.

Thanks for the reply guys. Forgot to mention but I will be taking my three year old boy along as well. My wife insist we bring him along so what can I do. I will bring a tent for the wife and kid. I was worry the temp might drop to the 20 but low 30 should be ok for the boy. Sorry but you mention mosquitoes so have to ask. Is there a lot of them at this late in the year? Thanks again.